Modular exercise bar and weight assembly, system and method

ABSTRACT

A modular exercise bar and weight system is provided. The system includes a first bar, a second bar, and a third bar. Each bar includes an attachment mechanism on each end such that the bars may be connected end-to-end in a variety of different configurations. The system also includes one or more weight members configured with compatible attachment mechanisms such that the weight members may be attached to the ends of the modular bars to increase the weight of the bars. The weight members also be attached to one another so that multiple weight members may be attached to any end of any bar combination.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

This patent document contains material subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction of this patent document or any related materials in the files of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to exercise bars, including modular exercise bars and weight systems and methods.

BACKGROUND

Commercial gyms typically include a wide variety of exercise bars and weights of different lengths and weight values to accommodate different types of exercises. However, stocking such a large number of different bars and weights not only takes up an extended amount of space, it tends to be very expensive.

Accordingly, there is a need for modular exercise bar and weight assembly that may be configured into a wide variety of bars and weight combinations of different lengths and weight values.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIGS. 1-2 show aspects of a bar assembly and a weight assembly according to exemplary embodiments hereof;

FIG. 3 shows aspects of a bar assembly according to exemplary embodiments hereof;

FIG. 4 shows aspects of a weight member according to exemplary embodiments hereof;

FIG. 5 shows aspects of a modular bar and weight assembly according to exemplary embodiments hereof; and

FIG. 6 show aspects of bar assembly according to exemplary embodiments hereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In general, the system according to exemplary embodiments hereof, the modular exercise bar and weight system 10 provides a modular bar and weight kit adapted to be assembled is a variety of novel configurations, with each configuration providing a unique length and/or a unique weight. For example, in some embodiments, the system 10 may first be assembled to provide two or more individual one-hand dumbbells each of a desired weight, and then reassembled to provide a single standard exercise bar of desired length and weight. As will be described in other sections, the system 10 may be assembled in a wide variety of configurations for use with a wide variety of different exercise routines.

For the purposes of this specification, the system 10 will be described predominantly with respect to its use as an exercise system 10. However, it is understood that the system 10 may be implemented to provide other types of modular bars and weights and that the system 10 is not limited in any way by the way in which the system 10 is used.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6 , the modular exercise bar and weight assembly 10 according to exemplary embodiments hereof will be described in further detail.

In one exemplary embodiment hereof as shown in FIG. 1 , the modular exercise bar and weight system 10 includes a bar assembly 100, and a weight assembly 200. The system 10 may include other elements and components as necessary to fulfill its functionalities.

Bar Assembly 100

In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 1 , the system 10 includes a bar assembly 100 including one or more first bars 102, one or more second bars 104, and one or more third bars 106. The first bar 102 includes an elongate body 108 with a first end 110 and a second end 112, the second bar 104 includes an elongate body 114 with a first end 116 and a second end 118, and the third bar 106 includes an elongate body 120 with a first end 122 and a second end 124. While the bars 102, 104, 106 are depicted in FIG. 1 as having generally circular cross-sections (i.e., the bars 102, 104, 106 are generally cylindrical), it is contemplated that the bars 102, 104, 106 may include other shaped cross-sections such as oval shaped or other suitable shapes. The bars 102, 104, 106 may comprise metal (e.g., steel or iron) or other suitable materials.

In some embodiments, the first bar 102 may weigh a first weight P1, the second bar 104 may weigh a second weight P2, and the third bar 106 may weigh a third weight P3. In a first example, P1 may equal 3 pounds, P2 may equal 3 pounds, and P3 may equal 2 pounds. It is understood that the weights P1, P2, and P3 may be chosen to include any desired weight (e.g., as required for particular exercises), and that the scope of the system 10 is not limited in any way by the values of the weights P1, P2, P3 chosen.

In some embodiments, one end of one bar (e.g., the first end 110 of the first bar 102) is adapted to connect to one end of a different bar (e.g., the first end 116 of the second bar 104). In this way, the first and second bars 102, 104 may be assembled to form a combination bar with a length equivalent to the first bar's length plus the second bar's length and a weight equivalent to the first bar's weight plus the second bar's weight.

In some embodiments, each bar 102, 104, 106 includes an attachment mechanism 126 on each of its respective first and second ends. That is, the first bar's first end 110 includes an attachment mechanism 126 and the first bar's second end 112 includes an attachment mechanism 126, the second bar's first end 116 includes an attachment mechanism 126 and the second bar's second end 118 includes an attachment mechanism 126, and the third bar's first end 122 includes an attachment mechanism 126 and the third bar's second end 124 includes an attachment mechanism 126.

In some embodiments, an attachment mechanism 126 configured on one end of one bar 102, 104, 106 is adapted to attach to an attachment mechanism 126 configured on a different end of a different bar 102, 104, 106. In this way, two or more bars 102, 104, 106 may be combined by attaching the attachment mechanisms 126 together to form a combination bar. Example configurations of various combination bars will be described in detail in other sections.

In some embodiments, a first attachment mechanism 126 includes a threaded opening 128 (e.g., a nut opening) and a second attachment mechanism 126 includes a threaded rod 130 (e.g., a bolt end). The inner diameter of the threaded opening 128 is chosen to correspond to the outer diameter of the threaded rod 130 such that the threaded rod 130 may be screwed into the threaded opening 128 to secure the first and second attachment mechanisms 126 together. Stating this in another way, the threaded opening 128 is adapted to receive the threaded rod 130 to secure the rod 130 within the opening 128. In this way, two or more bars 102, 104, 106 may be attached together end-to-end using the threaded opening 128 and threaded rod 130 combinations.

FIG. 2 shows the bar assembly 100 and the weight assembly 200 with outer shells, casings, or grips. For example, the bars 102, 104, 106 may include an outer grip material 107 (e.g., rubber, leather, tape, etc.) and the weight members 202 may include outer shell as will be described in other sections.

In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 3 , the first bar 102 includes a threaded rod 130 on both its first and second ends 110, 112, the second bar 104 includes a threaded opening 128 in its first end 116 and a threaded rod 130 on its second end 118, and the third bar 106 includes a threaded opening 128 in both its first and second ends 122, 124. Accordingly, the bars 102, 104, 106 may be connected end-to-end with one another is a variety of arrangements as will be described in other sections.

In another embodiment, the attachment mechanism 126 includes a detent-based attachment mechanism. In one embodiment, a first attachment mechanism 126 includes an opening with a detent ridge (or a detent groove) (e.g., concentrically located about the opening's inner circumference) and a second attachment mechanism 126 includes a rod including one or more detent grooves (or detent ridges) (e.g., concentrically located about the rod's outer circumference). In this scenario, the rod may be inserted (received) into the opening and the detent ridge(s) may engage the detent groove(s) thereby securing the first and second attachment mechanisms 126 together. In this way, a bar 102, 104, 106 with an end configured with a first attachment mechanism 126 may be connected end-to-end with a bar 102, 104, 106 with an end configured with a second attachment member 126. It is understood that any suitable combination of detent ridges(s) and detent groove(s) may be used. In addition, other detent-based attachment mechanisms such as spring loaded ball-detent attachment mechanisms also may be used.

In other embodiments, the attachment mechanism 126 may include quarter-turn connectors (e.g., with channels and engagement posts), latches, snap mechanisms, other types of attachment mechanisms 126, and any combinations thereof. It is understood that the system 10 may utilize any type(s) of attachment mechanisms and that the scope of the system 10 is not limited in any way by the type(s) of attachment mechanisms that it may use.

In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 3 , the length A of the first bar 102 is about 12″-18″, and preferably about 14″-16″, and more preferably about 15″, the length B of the second bar 104 is about 12″-18″, and preferably about 14″-16″, and more preferably about 15″, and the length C of the third bar 106 is about 4″-7″, and preferably about 5″-6″, and more preferably about 5.75″. It is understood that the bars 102, 104, 106 may be of any suitable lengths and that the scope of the system 10 is not limited in any way by the length of the bars 102, 104, 106.

Weight Assembly 200

In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 1 , the system 10 includes a weight assembly 200 including one or more weight members 202 comprising metal (e.g., iron or steel) or other suitable materials. In some embodiments, each weight member 202 includes a plate shaped body with a first end 204, a second end 206, and circumferential sidewalls 208 extending from the first end 204 to the second end 206. In this way, in some embodiments, a weight member 202 may resemble a circular plate. It is understood that while the weight member 202 is depicted in the form of a circular plate in FIG. 1 , the weight member 202 may include other forms and/or shapes such as, without limitation, cuboid (e.g., with a square cross section), spherical, prisms with pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, or other shaped cross sections, other types of suitable shapes or forms, and any combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, a weight member 202 may weigh a fourth weight P4 of about 1 pound. However, it is understood that P4 may be chosen to equal any desired weight (e.g., as required for a particular exercise) and that the scope of the system 10 is not limited in any way by the value of the weight P4 chosen.

In some embodiments, a weight member's first end 204 may be configured with a first attachment mechanism 210 and its second end 206 may be configured with a second attachment mechanism 210. It may be preferable that the attachment mechanisms 210 be compatible (able to attach to) the attachment mechanisms 126 configured with the bars 102, 104, 106 as described above. In this way, a weight member 202 may be attached to any end 110, 112, 116, 118, 122, 124 of any bar 102, 104, 106, respectively.

In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 4 , a first end 204 of a weight member 202 may include a threaded opening 212 (that may preferably correspond to the threaded opening 128 described above with relation to the bar assembly 100) and a second end 206 of the weight member 202 may include a threaded rod 214 (that may preferably correspond to the threaded rod 130 described above with relation to the bar assembly 100). In this way, a weight member's first end 204 may be attached to an end of a bar configured with a threaded rod 130 (e.g., ends 110, 112 of the first bar 102 and/or end 118 of the second bar 104) by screwing the threaded rod 130 of the bar 102, 104 into the threaded opening 212 of the weight member 202. In addition, a weight member's second end 206 may be attached to an end of a bar configured with a threaded opening 128 (e.g., end 116 of the second bar 104 and/or ends 122, 124 of the third bar 106) by screwing the threaded rod 214 of the weight member 202 into the threaded opening of the bar 104, 106.

In some embodiments, a first weight member's second end 206 (e.g., configured with a threaded rod 214) may be mated with a second weight member's first end 204 (e.g., configured with a threaded opening 212) by screwing the threaded rod 214 into the threaded opening 212. In this way, two weight members 202 may be configured with one another to form a double weight member. Continuing this example, a third weight member 202 may be mated with the double weight member by screwing its threaded rod 214 into the threaded opening of the first weight member 202 and/or by screwing the threaded rod 214 of the second weight member 202 into the threaded opening 212 of the third weight member 202. It also can be seen that additional weight members 202 may be mated and configured with any combination of connected weight members 202 by following this methodology.

In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 4 , the threaded opening 212 extends into a first side 204 of the weight member 202 a distance L1 (a depth) and the threaded rod 214 extends outward from a second side 206 of the weight member 202 a distance L2 (a length). It is preferable that the distance L1 be equal to or greater than the distance L2 so that the entirety (or at least the majority) of the threaded rod 214 may be received into the threaded opening.

In another embodiment, the attachment mechanism 210 includes a detent-based attachment mechanism (that preferably corresponds to the detent-based attachment mechanism described above in relation to the attachment mechanism 126). In one embodiment, a first attachment mechanism 210 includes an opening with a detent ridge (or a detent groove) (e.g., concentrically located about the openings inner circumference) and a second attachment mechanism 210 includes a rod including one or more detent grooves (or detent ridges) (e.g., concentrically located about the rod's outer circumference). In this scenario, the rod may be inserted (received) into the opening and the detent ridge(s) may engage the detent groove(s) thereby securing the first and second attachment mechanisms 210 together. In this way, a weight member 202 with an end configured with a first attachment member 210 may be connected to an end of a bar 102, 104, 106 configured with a second attachment member 210 (and/or a compatible attachment mechanism 126 as described above). In addition, a weight member 202 with an end configured with a first attachment member 210 also may be connected to an end of another weight member 202 configured with a second attachment member 210 to form a double weight member. It is understood that any suitable combination of detent(s) and grooves and/or ridges may be used.

In other embodiments, the attachment mechanism 210 may include quarter-turn connectors (e.g., with channels and engagement posts), latches, snap mechanisms, other types of attachment mechanisms 210, and any combinations thereof. In any embodiments described herein or otherwise, it is understood that any type of attachment mechanism 126 may be compatible with a similar type of attachment mechanism 210, and that the attachment mechanisms 126 and 210 may preferably be interchangeable.

In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 4 , at least a portion of the weight member 202 includes an outer shell 212 preferably comprised of rubber or other suitable materials. For example, the weight member 202 may include a first concentric ledge 216 on its first end 204 and a second concentric ledge 216 on its second end 206. This may result in a portion of the weight member's body having a width of W1 (at the outer point of the ledges 216) and a portion having a width W2 (at the inner point of the ledges 216). In some embodiments, the outer shell 212 fits concentrically about the outer perimeter of the weight member 202 from the first ledge 216 to the circumferential sidewalls 208 to the second ledge 216. In this way, the portion of the weight member 202 extending radially outward from the attachment mechanisms 210 on each side 204, 206 may be covered by the shell 212. It may be preferable that the outer surface of the shell 212 be generally flush with the portion of the first end 204 and/or the portion of the second end 206 between the attachment mechanisms 210 and the ledges 216, however, this may not be necessary.

In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 4 , the length L1 of the threaded opening is about 50%-99% the width W1 of the weight member 202, and preferably about 70%-90% the width W1 of the weight member 202, and more preferably about 75%-85% the width W1 of the weight member 202, and more preferably about 80% the width W1 of the weight member 202.

In Use

In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 5 , the bars 102, 104, 106 and the weight members 202 may be configured together to form the system 10 by connecting the elements 102, 104, 106, 202 together using the attachment mechanisms 126, 210 as shown. In the example shown, a first bar 102 and a second bar 104 may be connected to one another to form a first combination. Next, a third bar 106 may be attached to both ends of the first combination to form a second combination (comprising one first bar 102, one second bar 104 and two third bars 106). In this example, the second combination of bars 102, 104, 106 may weigh about 10 pounds (e.g., P1+P2+P3+P3=10 lbs.). To increase this weight, weight members 202 may be connected to either end of the bar combination. For example, as shown, two weight members 202 may be connected to one another and then configured with one end of the second combination, and two weight members 202 may be connected to one another and then configured with the other end of the second combination. This may result in an additional combination that weighs 14 pounds (P1+P2+P3+P3+P4+P4+P4+P4=14 lbs.)

In a second example as shown in FIG. 6 , the system 10 may be configured by attaching the first bar 102 and the second bar 104 together end-to-end to form a combination bar weighing 6 pounds. In a third example, a first bar 102 may be connected to two third bars 106, one on either end, to form a combination bar weighing 7 pounds. In a fourth example, a first bar 102 and a second bar 104 may be connected end-to-end and a third bar 106 may be connected to either end of the combination to form a combination bar weighing 8 pounds. In a fifth example, a third bar 106, a first bar 102, a second bar 104 and an additional third bar 106 may be connected end-to-end to form a combination bar weighing 10 pounds.

To add additional weight to any of the combinations described, one or more additional bars 102, 104, 106 and/or weight members 202 may be connected to either end(s) of the combination bars described or otherwise.

It is understood that the examples described above are meant for demonstration and that any combination of bars 102, 104, 106 and/or weight members 202 may be utilized, and that the scope of the system 10 is no limited in any way by the bars 102, 104, 106 and/or weight members 202 that may be used in any integration of the system 10.

It also is understood that any aspect or element of any embodiment described herein or otherwise may be combined with any other aspect of element of any other embodiment to form additional embodiments all of which are within the scope of the system 10.

It also is understood that the benefits shown above are meant for demonstration and that other benefits of the system 10 also may exist. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate and understand, upon reading this description, that embodiments hereof may provide different and/or other advantages, and that not all embodiments or implementations need have all advantages.

Where a process is described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the process may operate without any user intervention. In another embodiment, the process includes some human intervention (e.g., a step is performed by or with the assistance of a human).

As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “at least some” means “one or more,” and includes the case of only one. Thus, e.g., the phrase “at least some ABCs” means “one or more ABCs”, and includes the case of only one ABC.

As used herein, including in the claims, term “at least one” should be understood as meaning “one or more”, and therefore includes both embodiments that include one or multiple components. Furthermore, dependent claims that refer to independent claims that describe features with “at least one” have the same meaning, both when the feature is referred to as “the” and “the at least one”.

As used in this description, the term “portion” means some or all. So, for example, “A portion of X” may include some of “X” or all of “X”. In the context of a conversation, the term “portion” means some or all of the conversation.

As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “using” means “using at least,” and is not exclusive. Thus, e.g., the phrase “using X” means “using at least X.” Unless specifically stated by use of the word “only”, the phrase “using X” does not mean “using only X.”

As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “based on” means “based in part on” or “based, at least in part, on,” and is not exclusive. Thus, e.g., the phrase “based on factor X” means “based in part on factor X” or “based, at least in part, on factor X.” Unless specifically stated by use of the word “only”, the phrase “based on X” does not mean “based only on X.”

In general, as used herein, including in the claims, unless the word “only” is specifically used in a phrase, it should not be read into that phrase.

As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “distinct” means “at least partially distinct.” Unless specifically stated, distinct does not mean fully distinct. Thus, e.g., the phrase, “X is distinct from Y” means that “X is at least partially distinct from Y,” and does not mean that “X is fully distinct from Y.” Thus, as used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “X is distinct from Y” means that X differs from Y in at least some way.

It should be appreciated that the words “first,” “second,” and so on, in the description and claims, are used to distinguish or identify, and not to show a serial or numerical limitation. Similarly, letter labels (e.g., “(A)”, “(B)”, “(C)”, and so on, or “(a)”, “(b)”, and so on) and/or numbers (e.g., “(i)”, “(ii)”, and so on) are used to assist in readability and to help distinguish and/or identify, and are not intended to be otherwise limiting or to impose or imply any serial or numerical limitations or orderings. Similarly, words such as “particular,” “specific,” “certain,” and “given,” in the description and claims, if used, are to distinguish or identify, and are not intended to be otherwise limiting.

As used herein, including in the claims, the terms “multiple” and “plurality” mean “two or more,” and include the case of “two.” Thus, e.g., the phrase “multiple ABCs,” means “two or more ABCs,” and includes “two ABCs.” Similarly, e.g., the phrase “multiple PQRs,” means “two or more PQRs,” and includes “two PQRs.”

The present invention also covers the exact terms, features, values and ranges, etc. in case these terms, features, values and ranges etc. are used in conjunction with terms such as about, around, generally, substantially, essentially, at least etc. (i.e., “about 3” or “approximately 3” shall also cover exactly 3 or “substantially constant” shall also cover exactly constant).

As used herein, including in the claims, singular forms of terms are to be construed as also including the plural form and vice versa, unless the context indicates otherwise. Thus, it should be noted that as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Throughout the description and claims, the terms “comprise”, “including”, “having”, and “contain” and their variations should be understood as meaning “including but not limited to”, and are not intended to exclude other components unless specifically so stated.

It will be appreciated that variations to the embodiments of the invention can be made while still falling within the scope of the invention. Alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose can replace features disclosed in the specification, unless stated otherwise. Thus, unless stated otherwise, each feature disclosed represents one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The present invention also covers the exact terms, features, values and ranges, etc. in case these terms, features, values and ranges etc. are used in conjunction with terms such as about, around, generally, substantially, essentially, at least etc. (i.e., “about 3” shall also cover exactly 3 or “substantially constant” shall also cover exactly constant).

Use of exemplary language, such as “for instance”, “such as”, “for example” (“e.g.,”) and the like, is merely intended to better illustrate the invention and does not indicate a limitation on the scope of the invention unless specifically so claimed.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. A modular exercise bar and weight system comprising: a first bar with a first end configured with a first attachment mechanism and a second end configured with a second attachment mechanism; a second bar with a third end configured with a third attachment mechanism and a fourth end configured with a fourth attachment mechanism; and a third bar with a fifth end configured with a fifth attachment mechanism and a sixth end configured with a sixth attachment mechanism; wherein the first attachment mechanism, the second attachment mechanism and the fourth attachment mechanism are matching, and the third attachment mechanism, the fifth attachment mechanism and the sixth attachment mechanism are matching; wherein the first attachment mechanism, the second attachment mechanism and the fourth attachment mechanism are each attachable to any of the third attachment mechanism, the fifth attachment mechanism and the sixth attachment mechanism.
 2. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a first weight member with a seventh end configured with a seventh attachment mechanism and an eighth end configured with an eighth attachment mechanism; wherein the seventh attachment mechanism is attachable to any of the first attachment mechanism, the second attachment mechanism and the fourth attachment mechanism; wherein the eight attachment mechanism is attachable to any of the third attachment mechanism, the fifth attachment mechanism and the sixth attachment mechanism.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein the seventh attachment mechanism is attachable to the eighth attachment mechanism.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the first attachment mechanism, the second attachment mechanism and the fourth attachment mechanism each include a threaded rod.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the third attachment mechanism, the fifth attachment mechanism and the sixth attachment mechanism each include a threaded opening.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the first attachment mechanism, the second attachment mechanism and the fourth attachment mechanism each include a threaded rod with a first length, and the third attachment mechanism, the fifth attachment mechanism and the sixth attachment mechanism each include a threaded opening with a first depth, and the first depth is greater than or equal to the first length.
 7. The system of claim 2 wherein the seventh attachment mechanism includes a threaded opening, and the eighth attachment mechanism includes a threaded rod.
 8. The system of claim 7 wherein the threaded opening includes a first depth, and the threaded rod includes a first length, and the first depth is greater than or equal to the first length.
 9. The system of claim 8 wherein the first weight member includes a first width defined between its first end and its second end, and the first depth of the threaded opening equals about 70%-90% the first width.
 10. The system of claim 2 wherein the first weight member includes a first concentric ledge configured with its first end and a second concentric ledge configured with its second end, and an outer shell extending between the first ledge and the second ledge.
 11. The system of claim 1 wherein the first bar weighs about three pounds, the second bar weighs about 3 pounds, and the third bar weighs about two pounds.
 12. The system of claim 2 wherein the weight member weighs about one pound.
 13. The system of claim 1 wherein the first bar includes a first length of about 14″-16″, the second bar includes a second length of about 14″-16″, and the third bar includes a third length of about 5″-6″. 